Bicycling the Islands of Dalmatia Plus! the South Coast

Itinerary Summary

Croatia's Dalmatian Coast has been a favorite seaside destination among central Europeans for over a century. Join us as we explore this spectacular limestone coastline by bicycle! We begin near Split where you'll see Diocletian's 3rd century palace still inhabited by descendants of the Romans who settled this area and where we'll visit the waterfalls of Krka National Park. On our ride we pedal three of the Mediterranean's most picturesque islands -Brač, Hvar and Korčula - spending time in the picturesque rural areas, ports, and fishing villages. We'll explore the Medieval and Renaissance cities that were so important to the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Austrians, Hungarians, and Croats. We'll also pedal to the remote interior of coastal Croatia before shuttling you to the beautiful walled city of Dubrovnik, long considered the jewel of the Adriatic.

Day 1: Tour begins in Skradin, shuttle from the airport or pick up in Split

Arrive today in Skradin, a charming town on the edge of Krka National Park, home to the beautiful Skradinski Buk waterfalls. We'll offer a shuttle from the Split airport (close to the town of Trogir) or from the center of Split. We'll fit bicycles this afternoon and suggest a test ride into the interior. You can also enjoy a 4 km walk, bike or boat ride along the river into the national park to visit the falls where the Krka and Čikola Rivers flow out of the Dalmatian Karst (limestone) and over seventeen falls. The rivers return to their journey underground, a typical "karst topography" phenomenon, below the falls. We'll have a special seafood dinner this evening.

Day 2: Bike through Renaissance Sibenik to Primošten

We head off through the town of Sibenik to reach our hotel on the beach near Primošten. Have lunch or a snack amidst the Renaissance architecture in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Sibenik, a city unique among other coastal towns in Croatia in that it is the oldest town built by native Croats instead of Venetians, Byzantines, Hungarians or Austrians. Make sure to visit the famous Gothic cathedral of Sv. Jakov (Saint Jacob) and wander the small Medieval streets before riding on to the island-town of Primošten where our hotel lies on the beach. We'll enjoy a special Croatian dinner tonight in a nearby ancient village.

Day 3: Ride from Primošten to Trogir

Highlights: Village of Primošten, bicycle ride through vineyards and olive groves, famous town of Trogir

If the beach captivated you yesterday, make sure to wander through the island-village of Primošten this morning before heading off through vineyards and olive groves to the top of the plateau. We ride across beautiful barren land before dropping down to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Trogir where we spend the night. Trogir was a Greek colony in the 4th century BC and later a Roman municipality. Occupied by the Croatians after the 5th century, it became a key Medieval port city in the Adriatic. The present town sits on a Roman and Hellenistic street grid inside the 15th century Venetian wall.

Day 4: Pedal from Trogir to Split, Ferry to Supetar

Highlights: Trogir, Split including a guided tour of Diocletian's Palace, Island of Brač

We bicycle along the coast today to Split, an ancient Roman city and site of Diocletian's famous palace. Occupying the space of nine football fields, the palace was built at the turn of the 3rd century A.D. and is still inhabited. Actually, the "palace" is really like a small, walled city within a city. We'll take a guide tour of the palace. You'll have time to explore Split and have lunch before we catch the ferry to the island of Brač this afternoon. From there we pedal to our hotel in the small fishing port of Postira.

Day 5: Loop ride from Postira

Highlights: Loop ride around the Island of Brač

You have a full day to explore Croatia's third largest island and one of the most beautiful islands in the Adriatic. What's your pleasure? A fifty kilometer loop ride through beautiful ancient villages? Or an easier ride up to the oldest town on the island? How about an easy walk to the town of Splitska for lunch? Perhaps you'll choose a lazy day at the nearby beach; or you might like to fill your whole day with a ride to some of the more remote villages on the island. Whatever your wish.

Day 6: Postira to Bol

Highlights: Bol and its beautiful beach, Zlatni Rat

We'll set off along the coast again today, heading west to the town of Pučišća, which is famous for its white stone (used in the White House as well as elsewhere around the world!) and its stone carving school. Have a cup of coffee along the waterfront before climbing up and over the island of Brač to reach the town of Bol. Our hotel this evening is in the center of town. We'll meet in the late afternoon to visit the local vinery where you'll sample some wines from the island.

Day 7: Ferry to the island of Hvar and ride to Hvar Town

Highlights: Jelsa, Stari Grad and Hvar Town

Today we have an early morning ferry that takes us directly to Jelsa on the island of Hvar. Settled by colonists from the Greek island of Paros in the 4th century BC, Hvar Island was dominated for centuries by the Venetians. Visit the coastal villages of Vrboska and Stari Grad before riding to Hvar town through cultivated vineyards surrounded by stone walls and panoramic views of the coastline. Meander through the Medieval alleys of the old town or join the locals in one of the elegant cafés to watch the world go by. We have dinner together this evening and say goodbye to those taking off from here!

Day 8: From Hvar to Korčula

This morning we'll have a guided walk of Hvar Town and a picnic together at the old fortress before taking the afternoon ferry to Korčula, the capital of the island with the same name. We'll enjoy a guided walk of Hvar to learn about the 13th century Venetian fortifications built to protect one of the most important Adriatic ports of the Venetian Republic. After our picnic lunch at the fortress (also called the Spanish Fort), you'll have some time to enjoy the pjaca (piazza), the largest in all of Dalmatia before boarding the ferry to out next destination, Korčula. Founded as a Greek colony in the 4th century and controlled mostly by Venice from 1000 AD until 1797, Korčula retains the 14th century fortress style bestowed upon it by Venice.

Day 9: Loop ride on Korčula Island

Spend the day in town or at our hotel swimming pool, or take a loop ride from Korčula to the other end of the island and back. If you ride, be sure to make it to the local restaurant at the top of a hill that specializes in lavender or rosemary sorbet! If you are up to it the longer ride option is one of our absolute favorites anywhere-- it features everything you could look for in a ride including spectacular mountains, forests, tiny vineyards, small towns, and coastal roads. If you prefer to relax a little there is also a smaller loop along a small coastal road which offers some lovely swimming options. Those who spend time in town should wander by the house in which Marco Polo supposedly lived, or take a walk along the water front. Across the Pelješac Strait is the peninsula of Pelješac, famous for its wines. You may want to try a Pelješac wine for dinner in anticipation of pedaling through the famous vineyards tomorrow.

Day 10: Korčula to Vid

Highlights: Pelješac peninsula, the Neretva River, Metković

We take the ferry across the Pelješac Strait today and pedal across the peninsula before taking another ferry to the mainland. Grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants specializing in frog "brodetto" (soup), then pedal into nearby Vrgorac Polje--a valley that is typical of karst topography. This valley is an enclosed basin that has filled with sediment and has an underground river which runs through the polje and then disappears again. In rainy times, the river may flood the valley. We'll loop out of the valley along the ridge and then finish our ride along the tranquil Neretva river and its estuary to the town of Vid. Be sure to take the time to visit the Roman ruins, famous for the most statues ever found in a single site outside of Rome.

Day 11: Bicycle from Vid to Mali Ston

Highlights: Neretva River estuary, Pelješac Peninsula, Ston

Our ride today takes us back to the spectacular Dalmatian coast to the historic villages of Ston and Mali Ston. We begin pedaling along the beautiful Neretva estuary; keep your eyes peeled for birds as this natural reserve area historically boasted more than 300 different species. Once back in Ploce, we take a boat to Drace on the Pelješac Peninsula and start the second part of the ride amongst vineyards. Take time this afternoon to walk along the imposing 14th century walls that surround Mali Ston and Ston; they were built by the Republic of Dubrovnik to protect important salt production operations.

Day 12: Tour ends in Mali Ston

Highlights: Ston, Mali Ston and Dubrovnik

Our tour ends after breakfast this morning. We'll provide a shuttle to the Dubrovnik Airport or town. It is certainly a place you should visit while in this part of the world. Whatever your travel plans, thanks for joining us!

* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the single supplement rate. This fee will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available this fee will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.

How would you describe this tour to a friend?
Culturally very interesting, challenging biking at times (for those who are casual bikers), wonderfully friendly people everywhere and the most gorgeous coastline imaginable.

June W., St Paul, MN

The trip was fabulous, loved our guides, loved Croatia.

William C., Pelham, NY

What was your favorite experience on this trip?
It is very hard to single out one in particular, but I enjoyed the different cycling options -- on two occasions, I opted for longer rides than the rest of the team and in each case was rewarded with special experiences.

Guy C., Vallejo, CA

How would you describe this tour to a friend?
A bit like Italy, a bit like Greece, with stunning seashores, great seafood, fascinating antiquities and hospitable people.

Nancy H., Santa Barbara, CA

Fantastic! Flawlessly managed.

Andrew A., Dallas, TX

Absolutely wonderful!There were tours of the palace in Split, the fort in Hvar and the winery in Bol; ferry rides and boat rides; walks on the Ston wall; alleys in old towns to explore; interesting local meals (frogs!) ... it turned out to be a wonderful cultural experience.

This was probably the best bike trip I've had. The routes were great, the scenery and fellow travels were great, and the guides were great.

John H., Colorado Springs, CO

[What was your favorite experience on this trip?]
The amazing views during and after those climbs! It's just stunning. And also the Croatian people that I met. Croatia is an amazing place. I thought from travel books and pictures I had a very good idea of what to expect. Much better than I even thought. More Americans should visit - best seen on a bike trip with ExperiencePlus!

John C., Reno, NV

How would you describe this tour to a friend?
Stunning country; challenging riding; fascinating history; friendly and accommodating people...FABULOUS!!!

Deena B., Incline Village, NV

A great trip, spectacular scenery, excellent food and superb guides.

Chris H., Huntington Beach, CA

Loved the trip and the country.

Jane C., Lucca, Italy

Great Trip. I may do it again.

Todd H., Houston, TX

Riding on the island of Korcula beautiful mountain views and following the seaside, then a wonderful "local cuisine" dinner together organized by our leaders. We experienced local cuisine, local traditions and even observed a class for stone masons. We had a wonderful and memorable trip!

Kathy E., Clarksburg, ON, Canada

This was a wonderful tour with beautiful routes, interesting meals in out of the way locations, great guides (and I do love having local guides). I also loved cycling on 3 of the coastal islands.

Virginia M., Bloomington, IN

This trip was exceptional - the best one I've ever been on.

Teri D., Toronto, Ont, Canada

What a gorgeous place!!!

Arlie and Diane N., Bellingham, WA

The thing I love most about ExperiencePlus! is that we are taken care of just enough to leave a little adventure to the trip. I love the focus of really trying to show the culture and people of a country in addition to wonderful riding. I think you do this by providing local guides, typical local meals and opportunities to interact with the locals (the hat trade) and to learn about the country more in depth by providing tours of olive oil factories, stone cutting school, and meals at places like the agriturismo place. You've given me many wonderful memories.

Betsy I., Boulder, CO

I especially liked the way you mark the road and the trip notes for each day were excellent. The scenery was so spectacular, the dinners, wine-tasting...
It was a great trip in every way!!

Willa H., Seattle, WA

I had so many favorite experiences, I really liked our private tour of Diocletian's Palace in Split with Ivana, who was terrific. I liked the experience of the ferries and seeing the various ports and nautical activity. It's such a beautiful country and experiencing it by bike was a treat. This was a wonderful tour and I absolutely loved it.

Nancy S., West Newton, MA

Each day was unique and special in it's own way. XPlus is absolutely first rate!!

John B.Boulder, CO

Your tour leaders Sara, Andro and Sylvia made a good trip into a wonderful trip. Their thoughtfulness and sincerity made this one of my best EP tours.

James M.Kaneohe, HI

ExperiencePlus! provided a me with a 'beautiful experience' island hopping the Dalmatian coastline. Thank you! The guides were fantastic!

Ingrid B.Morrison, CO

We are pleased to have been part of your first Croatia tour. We had a wonderful time; it is a beautiful country and we'll be back to do another tour.